Lesson

Both/both of neither/neither of either/either of

Dual reference

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Both / both of, Neither / neither of, Either / either of

This lesson explains how to use both, both of, neither, neither of, either, and either of. These words help you talk about two items or people and express inclusion or exclusion.

  • Both and both of refer to two items together (positive).
  • Neither and neither of refer to not one and not the other (negative).
  • Either and either of refer to one or the other (choice).
  • Pay attention to whether you use 'of' (requires a determiner or pronoun after it) and to verb agreement.

Table

Forms and Examples

Form Use Example
both + plural noun Refer to two items together (no 'of') Both managers are attending the meeting.
both of + determiner/pronoun + plural Refer to two specific items; 'of' requires 'the/these/my/you/us' or pronoun Both of the reports were approved.
neither + singular noun Say 'not one' of two options Neither option is acceptable to the client.
neither of + determiner/pronoun + plural Refer to two specific items that are both not true/available Neither of the candidates is available next week.
either + singular noun Use when one of two choices is acceptable Either plan is suitable for the project.
either of + determiner/pronoun + plural Refer to one or the other of two specific items Either of the proposals could work.

Tip

Key rules to remember

Main points for correct use and agreement:

  • Use 'both' before a plural noun (Both employees are here.) or 'both of' + determiner/pronoun (Both of the employees are here).
  • Use 'neither' to mean 'not one' (Neither option is good). With 'neither of' + plural, use a singular verb (Neither of the options is available).
  • Use 'either' to offer a choice (Either solution is acceptable). With 'either of' + plural, treat the verb as singular (Either of the solutions is acceptable).

Remember: 'both' → plural verb; 'neither/either of' + plural noun → typically singular verb.

Example

Examples in context

Both candidates are available for an interview.

Both of the reports were submitted before the deadline.

Neither option is acceptable to the client.

Either proposal could meet the budget requirements.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Frequent errors learners make with these words:

  • Using 'both of' without a determiner or pronoun (wrong: 'Both of managers are...').
  • Incorrect verb agreement (wrong: 'Neither of the options are available' instead of 'is').
  • Confusing 'either' with 'both' (either = one or the other; both = the two together).
  • Placing 'both' after the noun in formal contexts (prefer 'both employees' rather than 'employees both' in business writing).

Always check whether 'of' is needed and match the verb to the intended subject (singular vs plural).

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check whether the noun is singular or plural and whether 'of' is followed by 'the' or a pronoun.

Quiz

Complete: _____ the proposals were approved.

Hint: Consider what structure works when referring to two specific items that follow.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check subject-verb agreement when 'neither of' precedes a plural noun.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

both

determiner/adverb CEFR B1 //boʊθ//

refers to two people or things together

Both team members will attend the briefing.

GrammarPoint

both of

phrase CEFR B1 //boʊθ əv//

used before a determiner or pronoun to refer to two specific items

Both of the invoices were paid yesterday.

GrammarPoint

neither

determiner/pronoun CEFR B1 //ˈniːðər//

indicates not one and not the other of two options

Neither option satisfies the client's needs.

GrammarPoint

neither of

phrase CEFR B2 //ˈniːðər əv//

used with a plural noun to say that not one of the two is true or available

Neither of the candidates met the qualification criteria.

GrammarPoint

either

determiner/pronoun CEFR B1 //ˈiːðər//

refers to one or the other of two choices

Either option will work for the presentation.

GrammarPoint

either of

phrase CEFR B2 //ˈiːðər əv//

used to indicate one or the other of two specific items

Either of the suppliers can deliver by Friday.